Is it appropriate for christians to use words like "you are like a child to me" without mean it?

i noticed alot christians (not all of them) like to use words like " you are like family to me ( subtitute the word family with mother, father, daughter, son, brothers etc etc). Based on my obeservation, they seem to fall into two groups. Group 1, complete phonies, those are christians that really do have relationship with God, but dont really understand love for people outside their immediate family beyond the superficial, ie they'll love you as long as you give them whatever they want ( i dont mean physical possessions, but emotionally) and allow them to treat you like a doormat. Group 2, those christians really do have some abiltiy to build in depth relationship with people outside their immediate family, however, when they use those words, it is quite clear they dont mean it literally, it almost as if they like to say those type of things to give themselve warm fuzzy feelings. ( for the purpose of this question, i am refering to group 2, i wont even waste my time on group 1). i often wonder whether it is appropriate to use those words without actually mean it ie knowing you wont able to commit the person to the extent as the words implies.the sentiment is somehow validated by my exp recently. I have came across this teenage girl who i met through interviewing her for one of my psychology assighment. She is currently in a loving christian foster family, with whom she is very close to. however , she mentioned in the interview she often felt uncomfortable with her foster dad habit of refering to her as "just like my daughter" when it is quite clear he doesnt feel the same way about her as his own kids, she explained to me that she personally took those words seriously, and feel people should only use those words unless they absolutely meant it, otherwise it just felt like empty promise. i would really appreciate my fellow christians point of view on this one.